Sake Tasting Event and 2016 Sakura Classic Kendama Contest at the 49th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

The Consulate General of Japan, in partnership with four Japanese and local companies (Takara USA (Nihonshu/Sake), Iichiko(Shochu /distilled liquor), Choya(Umeshu/plum wine), Sequoia Sake(Nihonshu/Sake), held a Sake Tasting Event as part of the 49th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10 (first weekend). Attendees were able to taste Japanese Nihonshu (Sake), Shochu (distilled liquor), and Umeshu (plum wine) as examples of the quality and variety of Japanese beverages available in Northern California while learning about Japanese culture. Around 750 people visited the tasting event over the two days even despite the rainy weather.

On Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco partnered with Kendama USA to present the second "Sakura Classic" Northern California Kendama Competition during the first weekend of the 49th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Japantown. Amateur players of all ages and skill levels competed in speed ladders at Kendama USA's booth for a chance to play in the finals. During the finals, held at the NCCBF Peace Plaza Stage on Sunday, April 10, 4:30pm – 5:00pm, a special show was performed by Japan’s premier Zoomadanke kendama duo as well American professionals. More than 1200 people participated in the contest and watched the finals over the two days even despite the rainy weather.